Connie Dodson

Connie Dodson of Marion, Illinois passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at her home in Marion, Illinois surrounded by her family and closest friends.

Connie was born in Eldorado, Illinois, daughter of Robert Ottis and Doris Grace (Richardson) Gossett. Connie grew up in Anna, Illinois and graduated from Anna Jonesboro High School in 1962. She attended SIU Carbondale and earned a master's degree in healthcare administration later in life. She was a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator at Park Avenue Health Care in Herrin, Illinois for twenty-five years. Connie had a passion for helping others and giving excellent patient care to those in need. She was an inspiration to many who later pursued a career in nursing. Her tenure in healthcare included managing a facility for the developmentally disabled and consulting for numerous facilities across the state of Illinois. She treated her clients with the utmost care and kindness.

Connie was an avid golfer. She was a member of the Walker's Bluff Golf Team, The Links of Kokopelli, Reunion Golf Club (Florida), and prior member of the Lake of Egypt Country Club and Crab Orchard Golf Courses. She wintered in Reunion Florida where she played golf almost daily. She enjoyed being outdoors, being with her grandchildren, gardening, doing work around the yard, and exercising.

Connie's pride and joy was her children and two very special grandchildren she loved more than life. She was a wonderful Mom, Grandmother, and an amazing friend. Spending time with her family, many friends and traveling were her favorite past times. Connie's kindness, compassion, generosity, and loyalty were only a few of her wonderful qualities.

Connie is survived by three children, Shelley Bittle (Scott) Schonewolf of Marion, IL, Barry (Missy) Bittle of Marion, IL, and Robbie Dodson of Dobbins, CA; one grandchild, Jerzy Danae Bittle; step-grandchildren, Kruz Landon Hayes, Dymin (Lance) Lynn and their children, Lively, Rumer and Judge Lynn; and one brother, Roger Gossett of Vienna, IL. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert O. and Doris G. Gossett; and one beloved grandchild, Trace Oakley Bittle.

Connie will be deeply missed by her family and multitude of friends. Her natural beauty, grace, and strength will live forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Mitchell Hughes Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, 1:00 PM at Mitchell Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin McNeely officiating.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Trace Bittle Scholarship Fund or St. Francis Community Animal Rescue @ Education (CARE) of Murphysboro, IL.